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Political science courses

PSC101 American National Government
PSC105 Politics, Conflict and Ideology
PSC201 State and Local Government
PSC210 Introduction to Political Philosophy
PSC220 Politics and Public Policy
PSC225 Introduction to Law
PSC230 International Relations
PSC235 Comparative Politics
PSC260 Cultural Geography
PSC295 Electoral Politics Field Experience
PSC310 Themes in Political Theory
PSC320 Christians and the Political Order
PSC325 American Political Thought
PSC330 Topics in International Problems
PSC340 Topics in American Politics and Institutions
PSC350 Special Topics
PSC398 Directed Study
PSC417 Internship
PSC499 Honors Research
 
PSC101 American National Government 4 credits
(general education option under social science) (American Politics) A broad survey of the major political and governmental institutions in the United States. This course examines how citizens attempt to influence their government and how the government responds. The course also develops the foundations for a biblical perspective on the role of government and the role of citizens. (4 credits)
 
PSC105 Politics, Conflict and Ideology 4 credits
(general education option under social science) (American Politics) An introduction to politics through examination of the topics of governing, political economy, social policy and international relations. These topics are examined through the lenses of the various political ideologies. In addition to an understanding of the basics of politics, the course seeks to develop a Christian perspective and critique of contemporary ideologies. (4 credits)
 
PSC201 State and Local Government 2 credits
(American Politics) This course examines the political relationships between the federal, state and local levels of U.S. government. Though we focus primarily on state and local governments and policy making, we also seek to determine which level of government is best suited to address the different social and economic problems. The role of the Christian in politics is also explored. (2 credits)
 
PSC210 Introduction to Political Philosophy 4 credits
(general education option under philosophy) This course introduces the student to philosophy by means of an examination of the main questions of normative social and political theory. It examines such matters as the justification and purpose of government, anarchism, justice, equality and human rights. Cross-referenced in philosophy. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC220 Politics and Public Policy 4 credits
(American Politics) A general examination of domestic and foreign policies of the United States. Education, health care, civil rights and economic policy are among the various polices explored. Particular attention is given to the differences between Christian liberal and Christian conservative policy perspectives of problems such as crime, discrimination, poverty, degradation of the environment and others. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC225 Introduction to Law 4 credits
(American Politics) This course briefly surveys the landscape of the American legal system. Most of the course, however, is devoted to examining significant constitutional issues, such as government powers, civil rights and civil liberties. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC230 International Relations 4 credits
An introduction to basic concepts in the study of the modern states system. We will study especially the problem of war and diplomacy in an "anarchical society". In addition, we will explore some Christian perspectives on the theory and practice of international relations, especially the contested concept of sovereignty. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC235 Comparative Politics 4 credits
(general education option under cross-cultural studies) A broad survey of politics, political change, political institutions and public policy in several selected countries from different continents. Contrasts with the United States are emphasized and special attention is paid to historical development, ideological, religious and social factors. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC260 Cultural Geography 4 credits
(general education option under cross-cultural studies) This course introduces the study of political, physical and cultural features of space and place around the world. Familiarity with major physical and political features of the world's regions will be stressed. In addition, the course will raise various issues connected with the cultural aspect of geography, e.g., perceptions of place, changes in space over time, the interactions of human communities, the natural environment and patterns of human presence on the land. (4 credits)
 
PSC295 Electoral Politics Field Experience 2 credits
(American Politics) This course provides an opportunity to explore elections as the central mechanism of democratic accountability in American government, by means of supervised reading and reflective involvement in an election campaign. Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Prerequisite: Political Science 101 or 201. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC310 Themes in Political Theory 4 credits
A critical analysis of classical and contemporary political theories, both secular and Christian. Special consideration is given to the issue of the relation between political philosophy and the practice of political science. Prerequisite: junior class standing or permission of instructor. Cross-referenced in philosophy. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC320 Christians and the Political Order 4 credits
(American Politics) This course centers on the implications of the Christian faith for Christians in the political order. We will explore historical and current Christian interpretations of the role of government in society, distilling biblical values which undergird them. Prerequisite: junior class standing or permission of instructor. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
 
PSC325 American Political Thought 4 credits
(American Politics) A survey of the historical development of American political thought with attention to significant American political thinkers from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis will be given to the uneasy relationship between liberalism and democracy and the interaction between American political institutions and culture. Cross-referenced in history. (4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
 
PSC330 Topics in International Problems 2-4 credits
This course explores a particular problem in international politics, using descriptive, theoretical and normative perspectives. Issues addressed may include war, ethics and foreign policy, and hunger. We will explore relevant Christian thinking to assess proposed solutions. May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied. (2-4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
 
PSC340 Topics in American Politics and Institutions 2 credits
(American Politics) An examination and analysis of one of the following three aspects of the American political system: the presidency, the Congress or political behavior. The latter consists of voting behavior and the role, character and political strength of interest groups and political parties. Each time the course is taught the student will be offered an opportunity to increase his or her understanding of one of these critical components of the American political system. May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied. (2 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
 
PSC350 Special Topics 2-4 credits
A study of political themes or issues not fully covered in other courses in response to student or faculty interests. May be taken more than once, provided a different topic is studied. (2 or 4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)
 
PSC398 Directed Study 2-4 credits
 
PSC417 Internship 6-8 credits
(4 credits may apply toward the major)
 
PSC499 Honors Research 2-4 credits


Research the programs
Contact
Dr. Dan Young
Department of political science
Northwestern College
101 7th St. SW
Orange City, IA 51041
712-707-7046
young@nwciowa.edu

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